Texas House Bill HB3655

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to grants awarded to reimburse counties for the cost of monitoring defendants and victims in criminal cases involving family violence.

Impact

With the enactment of HB3655, counties will have access to funding to support their efforts in monitoring family violence cases. The Texas Criminal Justice Division will oversee the administration of the grants, establishing eligibility criteria, application processes, and oversight measures. This financial support is expected to alleviate the financial burdens on counties while enhancing the effectiveness of monitoring programs. The provision of GPS monitoring is expected to improve accountability and compliance among defendants, thereby increasing the safety of victims in these sensitive cases.

Summary

House Bill 3655 establishes a grant program aimed at reimbursing Texas counties for costs incurred in monitoring defendants and victims involved in family violence cases. The bill specifies that the monitoring may include participation in a global positioning system (GPS) to ensure compliance and safety in such cases. This legislative move is intended to help local governments better manage the complexities surrounding family violence, ensuring that both victims and defendants are adequately monitored for their safety and compliance with legal stipulations.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB3655 appears to be supportive, particularly among lawmakers and advocacy groups focused on the protection of victims of family violence. Supporters argue that the bill creates a stronger framework for ensuring victim safety while holding defendants accountable. However, some concerns have been raised regarding privacy and the implications of constant monitoring. Nonetheless, the bill was primarily seen as a proactive step towards addressing family violence in Texas, reflecting a commitment to victim support and community safety.

Contention

While discussions around HB3655 have largely been positive, some groups continue to raise questions about the extent of GPS monitoring and its potential consequences for both victims and defendants in family violence cases. Critics have pointed out that while the intent is to protect victims, there might be unintended consequences regarding privacy rights and the stigmatization of monitored individuals. Balancing the need for victim safety with the rights of defendants remains a point of contention, albeit a minor one within the broader legislative support for the bill.